“We’re witnessing the largest transfer of wealth management practices in history. Advisors who act strategically now will capture maximum value, while those who wait may find themselves with fewer options.”
The wealth management M&A landscape is poised for unprecedented activity in 2026, with over 54% of RIA leaders expecting increased transaction volume—a substantial jump from just 18% in 2023. This surge is driven by a perfect storm of factors: an aging advisor workforce, favorable valuations, and evolving deal structures.
Key findings from recent industry reports indicate that average EBITDA multiples for high-quality RIAs continue to range between 8x and 11x, while recurring revenue multiples have increased to 3.5x. Perhaps most significantly, only 1% of advisors have a written succession plan shared with relevant parties, despite 43% planning to retire within the next decade.
For sellers, this creates an opportune environment with strong buyer demand and competitive valuations. For buyers, the abundance of acquisition targets presents strategic growth opportunities, though selectivity remains crucial. The evolution toward longer-term partnerships—with transition periods extending from 7-12 years—reflects a fundamental shift in how the industry approaches succession. Schedule a free, confidential one-on-one consultation with Succession Point to position your firm strategically in today’s evolving M&A market.